Maine is looking for its next poet laureate.
The Maine Arts Commission on Tuesday invited poets from across the state to apply to become the seventh person to hold the title.
The next poet laureate will serve from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2031.
Maine established the poet laureate position in 1995, and the laureate helps promote poetry in Maine and support Poetry Out Loud in the state.
The poet laureate receives an annual stipend of $5,000.
Anyone interested in applying to become the next poet laureate must be a full-time Maine resident with a “distinguished body of poetic work.” Applications must include a CV or resume; eight to 10 pages of poetry, published or unpublished; and a one-page statement outlining a vision for the public role of the poet laureate and any specific project proposals. Applications must be submitted by Dec. 5.
Previous poet laureates have included Kate Barnes, Baron Wormser, Betsy Sholl, Wesley McNair, Stuart Kestenbaum and Julia Bouwsma.
